Australian Open: Medvedev vs Korda Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Australian Open as Daniil Medvedev takes on Sebastian Korda in the third round on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Daniil Medvedev will face the biggest test of his title credentials when he squares off against in-form American Sebastian Korda. Who will reach the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open?

After a routine opening-round win over Marcos Giron, Daniil Medvedev battled John Millman for the best part of one set before easing into the third round comfortably in the end. The Russian won 7-5 6-2 6-2, and eradicated his serve which malfunctioned badly in the first set. A much tougher test awaits Medvedev who is aiming to reach the second week of the Australian Open for the fifth year in a row. Can he knock off Sebastian Korda?

Sebastian Korda, meanwhile, advanced into the third round with a straight sets win over Yosuke Watanuki. Last year, Korda also reached the third round but lost to Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets. But he has every reason to believe he might upset Daniil Medvedev and make the second week of the Australian Open for the first time.

Daniil Medvedev leads Sebastian Korda 1-0 in their head-to-head. The Russian World No. 8 defeated Korda at the 2021 Paris Masters in three sets. This should be another close battle in the offing. Korda has been on fire for the best part of six months now, and he is due for that statement win that he could hang his hat on. It could very well come on Friday if Daniil Medvedev’s serve malfunctions as it did in the first set against Millman. Korda’s most underrated part of his game is his movement. He patrols around the court exceptionally well for a man of his size. I honestly think he’s got a shot of winning here, but we reckon the value bet should be the total sets spread or a less risky take – Korda to bag a set.